There’s no doubt about it – a good mystery is enough to make you go into a reading frenzy; reading for hours on end in an almost cult like fashion. And while you’re perfectly happy, it can make everyone else around you crazy, because you’re obsessing and the book is dominating your life.
Of course, a book that holds me hostage and makes me lose track of time is my idea of nirvana.
I’ve talked about this before – I’m sure of it – because it’s part of my genetic makeup. I love when I grab a book to read with my morning coffee and the next thing I know it’s dinner time.
It’s totally ok if you don’t agree, but don’t most people feel the same? At least those that read for entertainment? Logic says if a book is good, you want to keep reading, right?
“We don’t need a list of rights and wrongs, tables of dos and don’ts: we need books, time, and silence. Thou shalt not is soon forgotten, but Once upon a time lasts forever.”~ Philip Pullman
Clearly, the mindset is still summer right now, backyard barbeques, running in the park after work, poolside dinners – all scream summer. For me too – but lately fall is creeping into my thoughts.
Maybe because the “back to school” ads are starting and Halloween is on display or maybe it’s that I’m always looking for ways to change my routine.
Or maybe – it’s because I like to stay active, and July humidity levels were horrid. The hot sticky temps made me grumpy, and I didn’t stick to my exercise routine.
I hate this and just want summer to be over, so of course, my mind drifts to the next season, which also happens to be my favorite.
That being said, mysteries can be a great escape and a good change of pace.
All spring and summer, if you caught me reading on the go, chances are the book would be what I like to call women’s lit
This year there were a lot of quirky characters in these stories, and I enjoyed every one. If you’re in the mood for a book with endearing quirky characters, try one of these – they’re all good.
Books with wonderfully quirky characters:
The Reminders by Val Emmich
Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
Now, however, I’m starting to favor mysteries again. In fact, I’ve got a few good ones to share.
The Barry Award recently announced its longlist. The winner and the shortlist will be announced later this year. Some of my favorite mystery books have come from this list. It’s well worth a good browse.
The Barry Award Long List 2017
I’ve read some great mystery-thriller books so far this year – but of course I have some favorites.